Spinning off chat threads

ABSTRACT

A solution for providing an instant messaging (IM) space, such as for a chat session, is provided, which includes provisions for spinning off of chat threads. An embodiment of the invention provides a method of providing an IM space, the method comprising: providing a first graphical user interface (GUI) space for an IM conversation; obtaining a selected portion of the IM conversation represented on the first GUI; and creating a second GUI space for a second IM conversation based on the portion selected.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention relate generally to instant messaging (IM)sessions (e.g., chats), and more particularly, to the spinning off ofchat threads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current instant messaging (IM) sessions (e.g., chats) often becomeconvoluted and difficult to navigate as threads become increasinglylonger and more complex. As the chat continues, numerous participantscan join and/or disengage from the chat further complicating the chatsession. As time goes on and as various participants join/leave thechat, there is an ever increasing likelihood that the subject matter,and/or topic(s) of the chat become less centric and focused. That is,there is an increased likelihood that one, or more, participants findthe instant chat is no longer on the precise topic he/she desires; thereare too many participants; and/or various participants want to vary thetopic to a different topic (be it modestly different or entirelydifferent) than is currently existing with the chat. Furtherexacerbating this complexity is that starting a new and separate chatsession by one, or more, participants is a complicated matter.

In view of the foregoing, a need exists to overcome one or more of thedeficiencies in the related art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention provide a solution for providing an instantmessaging (IM) space, such as for a chat session, which includesprovisions for spinning off of chat threads.

A first aspect of the invention provides a method of providing aninstant messaging (IM) space, the method comprising: providing a firstgraphical user interface (GUI) space for an IM conversation; obtaining aselected portion of the IM conversation represented on the first GUI;and creating a second GUI space for a second IM conversation based onthe portion selected.

A second aspect of the invention provides a system of providing aninstant messaging (IM) space, the system comprising: a system forproviding a first graphical user interface (GUI) space for an IMconversation; a system for obtaining a selected portion of the IMconversation represented on the first GUI; and a system for creating asecond GUI space for a second IM conversation based on the portionselected.

A third aspect of the invention provides a computer program stored on acomputer-readable medium, which when executed, enables a computer systemto provide an instant messaging (IM) space, the computer programcomprising program code for enabling the computer system to: provide afirst graphical user interface (GUI) space for an IM conversation;obtain a selected portion of the IM conversation represented on thefirst GUI; and create a second GUI space for a second IM conversationbased on the portion selected.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method for deploying anapplication for providing an instant messaging (IM) space, comprising:providing a computer infrastructure being operable to: provide a firstgraphical user interface (GUI) space for an IM conversation; obtain aselected portion of the IM conversation represented on the first GUI;and create a second GUI space for a second IM conversation based on theportion selected.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides computer software embodied in apropagated signal for providing an instant messaging (IM) space, thecomputer software comprising instructions to cause a computer system toperform the following functions: providing a first graphical userinterface (GUI) space for an IM conversation; obtaining a selectedportion of the IM conversation represented on the first GUI; andcreating a second GUI space for a second IM conversation based on theportion selected.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a business method for providingan instant messaging (IM) space, the business method comprising managinga computer system that performs the process described herein; andreceiving payment based on the managing.

The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed to solveone or more of the problems herein described and/or one or more otherproblems not discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that depict various embodiments of the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first graphical user interface (GUI) having an instantmessaging (IM) space according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the first GUI of FIG. 1 receiving a selection of a portionof the IM space according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a second GUI derived form the first GUI of FIGS. 1 and 2according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of a method of providing an IM space accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative computer environment for providing an IMspace according to an embodiment of the invention.

It is noted that the drawings are not to scale. The drawings areintended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and thereforeshould not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In thedrawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, the invention provides a solution for providing aninstant messaging (IM) space, such as for a chat session, which includesprovisions for spinning off of chat threads. A method of providing an IMspace includes providing a first graphical user interface (GUI) spacefor an IM conversation; obtaining a selected portion of the IMconversation represented on the first GUI; and creating a second GUIspace for a second IM conversation based on the portion selected. Asystem for providing an IM space, a computer program stored on acomputer-readable medium, a method for deploying an application forproviding an IM space, computer software embodied in a propagated signalfor providing an IM space, and a business method for providing an IMspace also are disclosed.

The ability to break discussions out into a new “chat” has severaldistinct advantages including: allowing only the participants interestedin that specific thread to focus on that discussion without the clutteror disturbance of the “parent” chat. Break-out chats will pull onlythose that participated in the original thread and can have a link tothe original chat. Further, the original chat can remain intact. Thisallows users to break a thread out yet allow them to invite other userswho might be interested in that particular topic without requiring thenew users to filter out the non-related items.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a IM space that includes a firstgraphical user interface (GUI) 10 that allows for an IM conversation 12between a plurality of participants 2. The IM space may indicate theparticular participants 2 in the conversation, the various IMconversation 12, and/or other elements of information (e.g., time ofstring, whether a participant 2 is available, etc.). The IM conversation12 includes, typically, at least one statement of text (i.e., “string”)started by a first participant 2, with at least one other participant 2responding to the first participant's 2 string with another string,and/or starting a new string unrelated to the first participant's 2string. Over time, several participants 2 may enter (e.g., type) stringsresulting in dialogue. Yet, over time, a “thread” (e.g., a set ofstrings related in some way) may develop in the IM conversation 12 thatmay interest a portion of participants 2 that is less than all theparticipants 2 in the IM conversation 12.

For example, FIG. 1 has five (5) participants 2 (i.e., Dan Barker, ChuckCausey, Sam Howley, Kelly Jones, and Monica Smith) conversing in the IMconversation 12. For example, participant 2, Dan Barker, has declinedthe call, as indicated. Participant 2, Sam Howley, in a first stringsays, “Good morning Kelly. Are you available to discuss the presentationtoday? Just let me know when you're free, I'm hoping to wrap this upbefore noon. Does this sound reasonable?” Participant 2, Kelly Jonesresponds to Sam Howley stating “Hi Sam! Sure, noon is a good time forme.” Sam Howley then responds to Kelly Jones' response “Excellent!”Then, participant 2, Monica Smith, joins the IM conversation 12 by anintroduction “Hi Kelly+Sam.”

Participants 2 may respond to individual chat messages by, for example,selecting a particular string that they wish to respond to. For example,participant 2, Monica Smith, wants to respond to Sam Howley's firststring (i.e., querying about a noon meeting) having possibly entered theIM conversation 12 later than the other participants 2. Monica Smith maycreate a chat thread by responding directly to Sam Howley's firststring. A response may be created by selecting the string (e.g., SamHowley's first string) and, for example, right clicking to access a“Respond” action selection. As depicted, Monica Smith's response is“Sorry for joining late—this sounds good to me”, thereby starting a chatthread between Sam Howley and Monica Smith.

In any event, one or more participants 2 may desire to leave and spinoff a chat thread from the first IM conversation 12 shown at the firstGUI 10. This may be because, for example, Monica Smith wants to have anIM conversation only with Sam Howley. Under an embodiment of the presentinvention, a participant 2 may select a portion of the IM conversation12 represented on the first GUI 10 for spinning off. As shown in FIG. 2,a selected portion 13 of the IM conversation 12 is obtained. In theexample, Monica Smith has highlighted the selected portion 13 and rightclicked, thereby opening a context menu 14. The context menu 14 includesvarious user-selectable options (e.g., “Cut”, “Copy”, “Paste”, etc.).

Alternatively, the selected portion 13 may be selected by one, or aplurality of, participants 2 and/or by a third party (e.g., an observerwho wishes to enter a conversation, a provider, etc.). Additionally, theselected portion 13 may be obtained by an entity selecting a portion oftext (e.g., string), and/or by selecting a participant 2. In the latterembodiment, the entity selecting, rather than highlight a portion oftext, may highlight a participant's 2 name (e.g., Sam Howley). In anyevent, the selected portion 13 of the IM conversation 12 may be obtainedby a myriad of ways including an UI mechanism (e.g., spin off button,context menu option, etc.).

Once obtained, the selected portion 13 forms the basis of creating asecond GUI space 20 for a second IM conversation 22, as shown in FIG. 3.The second GUI space 20 may be created via a user selection from thecontext menu 14 (e.g., clicking on selection “Start new chat base onselection” option)(FIG. 2) and/or may be automatically created just uponthe selected portion 13 being obtained. In any event, a new chat windowopens with the selected portion 13 (e.g., text strings) prepopulatedtherein. The selected portion 13 may include the text and/or theparticipants 2 from the first IM conversation 12 (FIG. 2). For example,the text from the first GUI space 10 (FIG. 2) is highlighted in the newsecond GUI space 20. As shown, the second IM conversation 22 is nowcontinued by participants 2 who are added (e.g., moved, copied, etc.) atthe second GUI space 20. Various indicia can be used to show which partof the second IM conversation 22 is the original selected portion 13including highlighting, font type, spacing, text, icon, and/or the like.

For example, the second IM conversation 22 continues with threads suchas Monica Smith stating “Sam, I'm sorry for pulling you out of the otherchat.” To which Sam Howley replies “no problem, what's up?” Monica Smithcontinues “I forgot I have a lunch meeting with Larry! Would you be ableto meet at 1:00 instead?” Sam Howley replies “Okay, let me check mycalendar. I prefer to meet earlier than later.”

Once the second GUI space 20 is created, the first GUI space 10 ismaintained intact with the first IM conversation 12 continuing.Participants 2 who are not added to the second GUI space 20 and secondIM conversation 22 remain free to continue chatting at the first GUIspace 10.

Further, an indicia may be provided at either the first GUI space 10and/or the second GUI space 20 providing information related to theexistence of the other respective GUI space 20, 10. The indicia may be aUI mechanism that the participant can click in order to view theoriginal chat. If activated, the chat (i.e., first IM conversation 12)opens to the location at which the thread was spun off. As subsequentchild threads are spun off, the new child may thread these various linksso as to allow for a back tracking device (e.g., web-style breadcrumbs). The indicia may also aid a participant 2 in a particular IMconversation 12, 22 to be able to readily switch and move to theopposing GUI space 10, 20 and the associated IM conversation 12, 22.Alternatively, the participants 2 in the second IM conversation 22(i.e., Sam Howley and Monica Smith) may have an option to extend ininvitation to other potentially interested participants 2 of the firstIM conversation 12 (i.e., Dan Barker, Kelly Jones, and Chuck Causey).

Although in the example shown, a single IM conversation 22 is ‘spun off’from a single ‘parent’ IM conversation 12, there is a virtual limitlessnumber of combinations and/or quantities of IM conversations 22 that maybe created from other IM conversations 12 under aspects of the presentinvention. For example, the second IM conversation 22 at the second GUI20 can then elicit a third IM conversation (not shown) for spinning off.To aid in tracking the various IM conversations and/or GUI spacesavailable that are interrelated in any way, allows a GUI that employs ahierarchical view and/or listing depicting the relationship betweenGUI's, IM conversations, participants 2, and/or the like.

Turning to FIG. 4, a flow chart of a method of providing an IM spaceaccording to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The method 90includes process S1 which provides creating and/or providing a first GUIspace 10 (FIGS. 1, 2) for an IM conversation. Process S2 providesobtaining a selected portion 13 (FIGS. 2, 3) of the IM conversationrepresented on the first GUI. Process S3 of the method 90 comprisescreating a second GUI space 20 (FIG. 3) for a second IM conversationbased on the portion selected (e.g., creating a spin-off thread).

Turning to FIG. 5, an illustrative computer environment 102 having acomputer system 104 is shown. Computer system 104 is shown including aprocessor 108, a memory 110, an input/output (I/O) interface 114, and abus 112. Further, computer system 104 is shown in communication with anexternal I/O device/resource 116 and a storage system 118. In general,processor 108 executes program code, such as IM Space Provider 130,which is stored in a storage system, such as memory 110 and/or storagesystem 118. While executing program code, processor 108 can read and/orwrite data to/from memory 110, storage system 118, and/or I/O interface114. Bus 112 provides a communications link between each of thecomponents in computer system 104. I/O interface 114 can comprise anydevice that transfers information between a user 104 and/or anothercomputing device and computer system 104. To this extent, I/O interface114 can comprise a user I/O device to enable user 2 to interact withcomputer system 104 and/or a communications device to enable externaldevice 116 to communicate with computer system 104 using any type ofcommunications link.

In any event, computer system 104 can comprise any general purposecomputing article of manufacture capable of executing program codeinstalled thereon. However, it is understood that computer system 104and IM Space Provider 130 are only representative of various possibleequivalent computing devices that may perform the process describedherein. To this extent, in other embodiments, the functionality providedby computer system 104 and IM Space Provider 130 can be implemented by acomputing article of manufacture that includes any combination ofgeneral and/or specific purpose hardware and/or program code. In eachembodiment, the program code and hardware can be created using standardprogramming and engineering techniques, respectively.

Similarly, computer environment 102 is only illustrative of varioustypes of computer systems for implementing the invention. For example,in one embodiment, computer environment 102 comprises two or morecomputing devices that communicate over any type of communications linkto perform the process described herein. Further, while performing theprocess described herein, one or more computing devices in computerenvironment 102 can communicate with one or more other computing devicesexternal to computer environment 102 using any type of communicationslink. In either case, the communications link can comprise anycombination of various types of wired and/or wireless links; compriseany combination of one or more types of networks; and/or utilize anycombination of various types of transmission techniques and protocols.

As discussed herein, IM Space Provider 130 enables computer system 104to provide an IM space that includes spinning off chat threads. To thisextent, IM Space Provider 130 is shown including a GUI generator 132,and a chat thread selection system 134. The GUI generator 132 mayprovide various functions including providing a first GUI space for anIM conversation between participants, creating the second GUI spacederived from the first GUI space, and/or the like. The GUI generator 132may optionally include other system(s) to provide variousfunctionalities including a system for providing an indicator on thesecond GUI as to which part is derived from the selected portion of thefirst GUI; a system for moving all the participants in the selectedportion from the first GUI to the second GUI; and/or a system foramending the first GUI space with an indicia of the creation of thesecond GUI space. The chat thread selection system 134 may allow foruser selection of a portion of the IM conversation in the first GUIthereby setting up for the spinning off of the chat thread, and/or thelike. The chat thread selection system 134 may optionally include othersystem(s) to provide various functionalities including a system forselecting at least one participant form the first GUI and/or a systemfor selecting at least one text thread from the first GUI. The IM SpaceProvider 130 may optionally also include other system(s) to providevarious functionalities including a system for maintaining the first GUIspace intact after the spinning off of the chat thread; a system forproviding a third GUI space having a hierarchical view; and/or a systemfor providing to a participant a selectable option to moving between thefirst, second, and/or third GUI's.

However, it is understood that some of the various systems shown in FIG.5 can be implemented independently, combined, and/or stored in memory ofone or more separate computing devices that are included in computerenvironment 102. Further, it is understood that some of the systemsand/or functionality may not be implemented, or additional systemsand/or functionality may be included as part of computer environment102. Regardless, an embodiment of the invention provides a solution forIM space(s) to spin off chat threads.

While shown and described herein as a method and system for providing anIM space, it is understood that the invention further provides variousalternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the inventionprovides a computer program stored on a computer-readable medium, whichwhen executed, enables a computer system to provide an IM space. To thisextent, the computer-readable medium includes program code, such as IMSpace Provider 130 (FIG. 5), which implements the process describedherein. It is understood that the term “computer-readable medium”comprises one or more of any type of tangible medium of expression(e.g., physical embodiment) of the program code. In particular, thecomputer-readable medium can comprise program code embodied on one ormore portable storage articles of manufacture, on one or more datastorage portions of a computing device, as a data signal traveling overa network (e.g., during a wired/wireless electronic distribution of thecomputer program), on paper (e.g., capable of being scanned andconverted to electronic data), and/or the like.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for deploying anapplication for providing an instant messaging (IM) space. In this case,a computer system, such as computer environment 102 (FIG. 5), can beobtained (e.g., created, maintained, having made available to, etc.) andone or more programs/systems for performing the process described hereincan be obtained (e.g., created, purchased, used, modified, etc.) anddeployed to the computer environment 102. To this extent, the deploymentcan comprise one or more of: (1) installing program code on a computingdevice, such as computer system 104 (FIG. 5), from a computer-readablemedium; (2) adding one or more computing devices to the computer system;and (3) incorporating and/or modifying one or more existing devices ofthe computer system, to enable the computer system 104 to perform theprocess described herein.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a business methodthat performs the process described herein on a subscription,advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider, such as anApplication Integrator, could offer to provide an IM space as describedherein. In this case, the service provider can manage (e.g., create,maintain, support, etc.) a computer system, such as computer environment102 (FIG. 5), that performs the process described herein for one or morecustomers. In return, the service provider can receive payment from thecustomer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement, receive paymentfrom the sale of advertising to one or more third parties, and/or thelike.

As used herein, it is understood that “program code” means anyexpression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructionsthat cause a computing device having an information processingcapability to perform a particular function either directly or after anycombination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, codeor notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c)decompression. To this extent, program code can be embodied as some orall of one or more types of computer programs, such as anapplication/software program, component software/a library of functions,an operating system, a basic I/O system/driver for a particularcomputing, storage and/or I/O device, and the like.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to anindividual in the art are included within the scope of the invention asdefined by the accompanying claims.

1. A method of providing an instant messaging (IM) space, the methodcomprising: providing a first graphical user interface (GUI) space foran IM conversation; obtaining a selected portion of the IM conversationrepresented on the first GUI; and creating a second GUI space for asecond IM conversation based on the portion selected.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first GUI space and the second GUI space are notconcurrently viewable.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the obtainingfurther comprises at least one of selecting at least one participantfrom the first GUI and selecting at least one text thread from the firstGUI.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the portion entails aconversation between a plurality of participants.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the creating automatically follows the obtaining.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising maintaining the first GUI spacefor the IM conversation intact, after the creating.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the creating includes providing an indicator as towhich part of the second GUI space is derived from the selected portion.8. The method of claim 1, wherein the creating further comprises addingall the participants in the portion from the first GUI to the secondGUI.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a third GUIspace that includes a hierarchical view of the first GUI space and thesecond GUI space.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the creatingfurther comprises amending the first GUI space with an indicia of thesecond GUI space.
 11. The method of claim 1, providing a participant atone of the first GUI and the second GUI a selectable option for movingto an opposing one of the first GUI and the second GUI.
 12. A system ofproviding an instant messaging (IM) space, the system comprising: asystem for providing a first graphical user interface (GUI) space for anIM conversation; a system for obtaining a selected portion of the IMconversation represented on the first GUI; and a system for creating asecond GUI space for a second IM conversation based on the portionselected.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first GUI space andthe second GUI space are not concurrently viewable.
 14. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the system for obtaining further comprises at leastone of a system for selecting at least one participant from the firstGUI and a system for selecting at least one text thread from the firstGUI.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the portion entails aconversation between a plurality of participants.
 16. The system ofclaim 12, further comprising a system for maintaining the first GUIspace for the IM conversation intact.
 17. The system of claim 12,wherein the system for creating includes a system for providing anindicator as to which part of the second GUI space is derived from theselected portion.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the system forcreating further comprises a system for one of adding all theparticipants in the portion from the first GUI to the second GUI. 19.The system of claim 12, further comprising a system for providing athird GUI space that includes a hierarchical view of the first GUI spaceand the second GUI space.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the systemfor creating further comprises a system for amending the first GUI spacewith an indicia of the creating of the second GUI space.
 21. The systemof claim 12, further comprising a system for providing a participant atone of the first GUI and the second GUI a selectable option for movingto an opposing one of the first GUI and the second GUI.
 22. A computerprogram stored on a computer-readable medium, which when executed,enables a computer system to provide an instant messaging (IM) space,the computer program comprising program code for enabling the computersystem to: provide a first graphical user interface (GUI) space for anIM conversation; obtain a selected portion of the IM conversationrepresented on the first GUI; and create a second GUI space for a secondIM conversation based on the portion selected.